N.C. farmers may be familiar with the Weed Free NC program and USB’s Take Action program, which have focused on the elimination of herbicide resistant weeds and promoting farming practices that preserve herbicide technologies so they will be a tool for farmers long into the future.
Because fungicides may also be heading towards the path of resistance, USB is taking a proactive approach and expanding the Take Action program to include fungicides as well as herbicides. If steps are not taken, there is the chance that farmers may not have as many fungicides available in the future to combat disease or have diseases that cannot be controlled.
At a recent press conference, Gregg Fujan, a checkoff farmer-leader from Nebraska, called for the following steps to avoid resistance:
- Scout fields regularly for diseases.
- Understand disease thresholds.
- Apply fungicides only when it makes economic sense.
- Rotate fungicide modes of action.
To learn more, read THIS ARTICLE from USB.
